Description of Research Expertise

Description of Research
Our laboratory has two main programs: (i) vaccine development (especially for HIV) and (ii) development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) as a vector for human gene transfer. We have 25 years of experience in developing viral vectors for the delivery of vaccine antigens and the use of animal models to evaluate vaccine strategies. Our main interest continues to be prophylactic vaccines for HIV. Candidate vaccines developed in our laboratory have reached phase II human testing. More recently, we have begun the explore the use of rAAV vectors to deliver genes that encode antibodies which neutralize HIV (Nat Med. 2009; 15:901-6) A human phase I trial of this strategy is being planned. The laboratory also continues to seek novel uses for rAAV vectors in the treatment of human and animal diseases.